HH the Amir in a carriage with Queen Elizabeth II during the inspection of troops at the Windsor Castle. (KUNA)

Issuance of visas and transfers put on hold ‘Administrative work’

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 27: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor will temporarily suspend the issuance of work permits and processing of transfer applications for two weeks in accordance with Article 11 of the Labor Law in the private sector, reports Al-Kuwaitiah daily quoting sources.

Sources said the ministry will most likely issue a circular on the suspension of the above procedures by mid-December through Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs Jamal Al-Dousari. Sources explained the ministry is taking this step as part of its administrative work in the interest of the labor sector in general. Sources pointed out this will give the ministry enough time to have an inventory of work permits, transfer applications and visa cancellations in its database; in addition to the actual number of Kuwaitis and expatriates working in the private sector. Sources added the officials will verify the number of inspections carried out in companies, establishments and other related institutions.

According to sources, the ministry will continue processing work permits for first-time applicants, as well as the renewal of these permits and final cancellation for travel.

Sources disclosed the decision will affect the activities of the committee in charge of work permit-related procedures, including the applications for work visa transfers, commercial visit visas to work permits and permission to work in government projects and other exempted sectors. Sources asserted the flow of work at the ministry will return to normal by the beginning of 2013.